Calming Calendula

April Morris

Posted on July 30 2018

Here at HealthNaturally we spend a lot of time contemplating what ingredients we need to add to perfect our CBD salves,, which herb would be best, etc. The one medicinal herb we added without a question was Calendula officinalis.

Calendula officinalis, despite its common name Pot Marigold, should not be confused with the similar looking true marigolds (Tagetes), found in many neighborhood gardens. The name Calendula comes from the Latin kalendae, for “first day of the month” which may refer to the fact that the plant can be found blooming at the beginning of most months.

Calendula’s brightly colored flowers' cultivation dates back to at least 1885-even before recorded cultivation Calendula’s medicinal properties were commonly noted. British herbalists John Gerard (1545-1612) and Nicholas Culpepper (1616-1654) both mention “marigold.” In 19th century America, many physicians used calendula externally for superficial burns, bruises, and wounds. In the 20th century, British author, Maud Grieve, states that it is primarily a local (topical) remedy and that applying the petals to insect stings will reduce pain and swelling. She also recommended a lotion made of the flowers for sprains and wounds. Sounds like Maud Grieve would support Calendula in our CBD salves.

Many modern herbalists choose Calendula for bruises, sprains, wounds, chapped/dry skin and any type of skin inflammation, such as rashes, bed sores, leg ulcers, boils, etc. Calendula can be used for all skin types, especially for sensitive skin. Calendula has been proven to be antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, mild antispasmodic and anti-fungal. Even the German Commission has approved the use of Calendula externally for poor-healing wounds and foot ulcers. Calendula is so good at healing wounds many recommend to not apply to oozing wounds, because it can heal so quickly it can seal in the pus. So as long as you keep that in mind, Calendula will never steer you wrong! No wonder it is such a healing ingredient in our CBD salves.